A religious freedom organisation in Spain is urging the European Commission to appoint a dedicated Special Coordinator to combat anti-Christian hate crimes, matching the EU’s current efforts against antisemitism and Islamophobia.

The Observatory for Religious Freedom in Spain (OLRC) has written to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, warning that attacks on Christians are on the rise across Europe.

“It is imperative that the European Commission act with the same commitment it shows in the fight against other forms of religious hatred,” said OLRC President María García.

Recent figures from OIDAC Europe documented over 2,400 incidents targeting Christians in 35 countries last year, including threats, harassment and physical assaults.

The OLRC cited shocking cases like the stabbing murder of Diego Valencia Contreras outside his church in Spain and a recent attack in a German church where a sacristan was assaulted with a cross.

“In recent weeks, there have been alarming episodes,” the OLRC statement said, pointing to an arson attack in Bavaria and an intruder shouting “Allahu Akbar” on the altar of a major Paris basilica.

García insisted the EU must respond: “The European Union cannot look the other way in the face of these murders and attacks on churches.” She added, “Coexistence and religious freedom in Europe are threatened.”

The group is calling on citizens to sign a petition demanding the EU defend the “fundamental rights of all its citizens, especially religious freedom.”